When you are in Almaty, do not miss a weekend tour! A number of tourist agencies organize various tours on Saturdays and Sundays. Places of interest are located in Almaty region and it usually takes 2-4 hours to drive one way. Buses usually depart at 08.30 a.m. to be back at 06.00-08.00 p.m. They have both 50-seat buses and 8-seat vehicles.
Guides are available, but not all of the agencies can provide English-speaking guides. Some have English, French, Italian, German, etc. speaking guides, but of course you need to make reservation in advance for them to arrange a guide.
Regular price for a weekend tour is 1500-2500 tenge (USD 10-15, you can also find the currency converter on the sidebar of this blog, search for Kazakhstani Tenge) if you travel by bus with a Russian-speaking guide. But you can also ask for a small van, or a big bus for your group and English-speaking guide.
When I was looking for an agency to organize a tour for a group of French people, it was pretty hard, because of finding an English-speaking guide and price. Prices in some agencies were pretty high. The one which was good both in terms of prices and services, was the Blast tourist company (located at Abay ave./corner Rozybakiyev Str.). The name of the girl who organized the tour was Nastya, she was really good and took care of the guests.
They charged us 38,000 tenge (USD 250) for the trip, which included rent of van with driver, plus French-speaking guide. Another tour that I organized though this Company cost 10,000 tenge (USD 70) without a guide.
The most popular destinations include:
It's a four-hour drive from Almaty to this amazing scenery, where one will be able to see whimsically shaped hills during 2-km walk down to the Charyn river.
Guides are available, but not all of the agencies can provide English-speaking guides. Some have English, French, Italian, German, etc. speaking guides, but of course you need to make reservation in advance for them to arrange a guide.
Regular price for a weekend tour is 1500-2500 tenge (USD 10-15, you can also find the currency converter on the sidebar of this blog, search for Kazakhstani Tenge) if you travel by bus with a Russian-speaking guide. But you can also ask for a small van, or a big bus for your group and English-speaking guide.
When I was looking for an agency to organize a tour for a group of French people, it was pretty hard, because of finding an English-speaking guide and price. Prices in some agencies were pretty high. The one which was good both in terms of prices and services, was the Blast tourist company (located at Abay ave./corner Rozybakiyev Str.). The name of the girl who organized the tour was Nastya, she was really good and took care of the guests.
They charged us 38,000 tenge (USD 250) for the trip, which included rent of van with driver, plus French-speaking guide. Another tour that I organized though this Company cost 10,000 tenge (USD 70) without a guide.
The most popular destinations include:
THE CHARYN CANYON
It's a four-hour drive from Almaty to this amazing scenery, where one will be able to see whimsically shaped hills during 2-km walk down to the Charyn river.
THE BIG ALMATY LAKE
The Big Almaty Lake is like a crystal changing its color from pale green to turquoise blue. Since the lake is high in the mountains (2,511 meters over sea level), the water is always cold (July temperature is 8C only! - 46F). Despite the steep slopes, people usually prefer climbing there, but it's also possible to drive.
THE KOLSAY LAKES
Kolsay Lakes are called the pearls of Kazakhstan! It's a 2-day tour because it's rather a long journey, but it's worth seeing.
THE TURGEN FALLS
It's a nice tour when you will see the Falls, visit the trout fishery, where you will be able to fish for trout, and then have it cooked for you, and visit the ostrich farm, where you will be able to buy ostrich eggs and feathers.
THE SINGING DUNE
It's amazing how sand can make some music while you are climbing the hill!
If you are pressed for time, but still feel like seeing some sights, the options will be to see
THE KOK TYUBE
(also known as Kok Tobe)
You just ride a suspense train (7 min only to reach the top of the hill from the center of the city) and you will see Almaty as if it's in your palm! It's beautiful at night, but don't forget to take some warm clothes, because it is cooler over there. Besides, it is a popular place, so there might be many people and you might need to wait in a queue to get the ticket. It's not operational on Tuesdays.
CHIMBULAK
Or if you like skiing, there are many places to ski, like Akbulak and Tabagan, the most popular ski resort is Chimbulak. It is also a nice place to see.
Watch a video The Beauty of Kazakhstan
